The Leibniz Institute for New Materials (INM) is introducing new nano-coatings that reduce microbes and persistent biofilms on heat exchangers.
The Leibniz Institute for New Materials (INM) is introducing new nano-coatings that reduce microbes and persistent biofilms on heat exchangers.
Heat exchangers coated with these paints require intensive cleaning far less often. It is particularly suited to the food industry where high standards of hygiene is essential.
With these new coatings, the research scientists combine anti-adhesive and anti-microbial qualities.
To prevent microbes, bacteria or fungus from adhering to surfaces, the scientists use colloidal copper in the coating. Due to the oxygen or water that is present in many foodstuff processes, copper ions are created from the copper.
These travel to the surface and, as a result of their anti-microbial effect, they prevent microbes from settling there.
Developers achieve the anti-adhesive characteristics by introducing hydrophobic compounds that are similar to common Teflon. These prohibit the formation of any undesired biofilm and allow residues to be transported out more easily before they clog up the channels of the heat exchangers.
INM head of Nanomers, Carsten Becker-Willinger, said researchers have been able to keep the paint chemically stable.
“Otherwise it would not withstand the aggressive chemicals that are required for cleaning,” he said. Becker-Willinger said the paint could be used in other contexts such as air conditioning. He said it could also be used for cleaning waste water in water purification plants, for example, to prevent biofilm from accumulating on filters or tubes.
The paint can be applied using standard methods such as spraying or immersion and subsequent hardening. It can be used on stainless steel, alloys, titanium or aluminium.